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Arlington Baptist University is preparing to give Patriot Baseball something the program has never had: a true home on campus. After years of growth and success under Coach Brad Bass, university leaders say the time was right to invest in a facility that gives student-athletes a place to practice, compete, and grow. The project had been envisioned for some time, but plans began coming together over the past year. Its groundbreaking carried added significance as the first new construction project of this magnitude on the ABU campus in approximately 50 years.
For Eric White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics, the new field represents more than an upgrade for baseball. ABU wants the facility to support a faith-based, Christian, and competitive environment where student-athletes can pursue excellence while developing academically, spiritually, and personally. “This field represents an investment not only in our baseball program, but in our students, our mission and the future of Arlington Baptist University,” White said. That purpose reflects the university’s goal of developing athletes on and off the field.
The facility is planned as a full collegiate playing field with dugouts, spectator seating, a scoreboard, press box, and gathering areas for fans and families. The natural elevation of the property will allow for a distinctive sunken design while preserving the atmosphere ABU wants for home games. The university also hopes to add lights in the future. For the players, the most meaningful part may simply be having a field on campus they can finally call their own.
Construction is underway to have the facility ready for the 2027 baseball season. ABU is planning a grand opening for Feb. 6, 2027, when Patriot Baseball is expected to play on campus for the first time. White said work remains, but watching the field take shape has made that milestone feel more real each week.
A project of this size has required support beyond the athletic department. White credits donors, friends of ABU, community partners, and others who believe in the opportunity to minister by helping make the field possible. ABU continues to offer opportunities for those who want to support the field.
The university expects the impact to be felt in recruiting and player development. Prospective student-athletes will be able to visit campus and see where they would practice, compete, and develop, while current players will gain a stronger sense of ownership and pride in having a permanent home field. White believes that connection can strengthen the student-athlete experience and bring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters closer to the baseball program.
The reach of the facility will extend beyond ABU’s regular season. The field is set to host the NCCAA College World Series for the next three years, bringing Christian college baseball programs, student-athletes, coaches, and families to Arlington. Hosting the event will also allow ABU to showcase the university and its new facility on a national stage. For White, that fits the broader purpose of creating a place where competition, community and the opportunity to minister come together.
White said the ultimate goal is not simply to develop better baseball players. ABU wants its student-athletes to leave prepared to make an impact in their families, churches, careers and communities. Years from now, he hopes the field will be remembered as a place where championships were celebrated, families and alumni made lasting memories, and young men grew as athletes, students, and Christian leaders.
He also sees the project as a starting point for something larger. University leaders hope the momentum from the baseball field can eventually lead to additional on-campus facilities for programs such as softball and soccer. “We are building this field for today’s players, but its impact will be measured by the generations of Patriots who follow, the people we serve and the growth it inspires across ABU,” White said.
For Arlington Baptist University, the first pitch in 2027 will represent more than the opening of a baseball field. It will mark a new chapter for Patriot Athletics, giving student-athletes a place to compete, belong, and grow while creating a lasting home for generations to come. To follow the progress of the new Patriot Baseball field, support the project, or learn more about Arlington Baptist University Athletics, visit ABU’s athletics website and follow the Patriots as they prepare for the 2027 season.
